TWI Frequently asked questions
by Chris Otter
Friction pulse bonding (FPB) has been applied mainly to malleable materials such as copper and aluminium. These materials require less force and less deformation to achieve a joint. Harder/stiffer materials are more difficult and cause wear of the rotating, hardened steel wheel used in the process.
Using FPB, the weldability of a range of materials has been investigated. Results are summarised in the table:
| Group 1: materials which are readily welded using FPB | Group 2: materials which are more difficult to weld using FPB |
| aluminium | spring steel |
| copper | aluminium to alumina |
| copper braid | acetate film |
| copper track on printed circuit board | polypropylene |
| copper wire to copper/polyimide flexible circuit | high density polypropylene |
| PVC insulated copper ribbon cable | PVC |
Further information
FAQ:
What is friction pulse bonding? FAQ:
Is friction pulse bonding an industrially mature process?
